A Glass of Wine a Day Can Keep the Dentist Away

A sure sign of any serious wine taster, or red wine lover, is probably their stained teeth. Red wine is also linked to acidity that erodes tooth enamel, and alcohol that can cause dehydration, impairing saliva production. Yet, new studies have revealed that red wine is antimicrobial, which is a direct contradiction to the well-known fact that the alcohol in red wine indirectly causes bacteria overgrowth. So, should you drink red wine or not?

Results of the Study

The antibacterial properties of red wine are significant enough that people are beginning to take notice. Researchers have recently revealed that red wine is not only heart healthy, but also beneficial for dental health by preventing cavities.

Previous studies had found that grape seed extract, polyphenols, and wine could halt the growth of bacteria, while other studies had suggested that red wine could also protect against decay. White wine, on the other hand, was found to be more detrimental to dental health because of its high acidity, which can erode tooth enamel.

In the new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers – Victoria Moreno and her colleagues – grew cultures of bacteria known to cause dental diseases such as biofilm, and then dipped them into different liquids, including red wine mixed with grape seed extract, alcohol-free red wine, and water containing 12 percent alcohol, to observe the effects.

The researchers observed that red wine - irrespective of whether or not it has any alcohol - and the wine-grape seed extract blend were more likely to eliminate the bacteria.

Explanation of the Study

According to the researchers, red wine, seeds, fermented grape stems, and skins left over from wine production contain a certain compound known as polyphenols that block the ability of the bacteria strain found in the mouth (Streptococcus mutans) to make glucans – substances broken down from sugars in the diet.

The glucens are responsible for making bacteria stick to the teeth and destroy the surfaces. But with the introduction of polyphenols, the harmful bacteria cannot manufacture glucans, creating an oral environment where helpful bacteria can thrive and prevent harmful bacteria from damaging teeth.

Previous research has also shown that cranberries contain similar levels of polyphenols, but they also contain a lot of sugar, which may counteract the benefits of polyphenols. Red wine, on the other hand, can stain your teeth, cause dehydration and excess calories due to the alcohol, or erode your teeth due to the acidity.

Verdict

A glass of wine a day, possibly taken with a glass of water in between, can be beneficial, though not as a substitute for brushing and flossing. A glass of wine should be enjoyed just as dark chocolate or caffeine: in moderation.